Aerial fire extinguisher



Jan. 29, 1957 J. H. RUST AERIAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 4. 1954 INVENTOR. JQME5 H Pusr Jan. 29, 1957 J. H. RUST AERIAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 4, 1954 T MU H G 9 M 5 5 275 [H I C 7 5 I W. A I11 d I i Y B a u 5 a 5 G is arranged to direct its spray partially upwardly and partially tangentially to the sphere 11, while the nozzle 16 ejects the spray partially downwardly and partially tangentially. Similarly, the nozzles 17' and 18 direct their spray partially downwardly and partially upwardly, respectively, each having a tangential component opposite in direction respectively to the tangential component of the nozzles 16' and 15. The tangential components of the four sprays result in a reaction force on the sphere tending to rotate the latter about a swivel joint 26, in a clockwise direction as viewed from above.

Suitable conduits or pipes connected to these nozzles are shown at 19, 20, 21 and 22, respectively, and lead to a central annular manifold 23 at the lower end of the sphere. The fire extinguishing chemicals within the sphere indicated at 24, are adapted to pass through a suitable discharge valve and enter the manifold 23 to pass to the various nozzles. Obviously, the nozzles may be located at other positions on the sphere from those shown, and if desired, the conduits or hoses 19, 20, 21, and 22 may be dispensed with and the four nozzles connected directly to the manifold 23. In the latter event, the rotating jet action would not be as effective as in the case where the nozzles are disposed relatively far from the sphere axis.

The chemicals within the sphere 11 may comprise water under pressure or any of the dry chemicals, such as bicarbonate derivatives or vaporizing liquids in the form of chlorides and bromides. These chemicals are conveniently introduced in the sphere by means of an inlet valve structure 25.

Referring now to Figure 3, the details of the inlet valve 25 and swivel joint 26 are shown. The inlet valve may be located anywhere on the sphere surface but is preferably disposed at the top adjacent the cable coupling. This inlet structure comprises a valve supporting plate 27 welded over a suitable opening in the sphere surface. A valve housing 28 is threaded to the plate support 27 in sealing relationship as shown. The valve itself comprises a valve stem structure 29 threaded into the member 28, and a branch passage 30 communicating with an interior space about the valve stem. The end of the branch 30 is threaded to receive a hose. To fill the sphere with suitable chemical solutions, the valve stem 29 is threaded inwardly to unseat the valve face 31, whereby chemicals may be pumped into the sphere through the hose connection 30. When the sphere has been filled under high pressure, the valve stem 29 is threaded outwardly to seat the valve 31 and the supply hose then uncoupled from the hose connection 30.

The swivel joint for the sphere 11 may, of course, be disposed in the cable 12 itself and need not form a part of the spherical bulb structure. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, however, this swivel joint is made a part of the sphere structure and. as shown, comprises a base supporting plate 32 welded to the top of the sphere. A suitable bearing block 33 is in turn bolted to the plate 32 and serves to house a cylindrical bearing 34 rigidly screw threaded to an eyelet 35. Suitable ball bearings 36 disposed between the bearing block 33 and cylindrical bearing 34 permit substantially frictionless swiveling action to take place therebetween. The coupling of the end of the cable 12 to the eye 35 is effected by a simple removable hook means 37, whereby an empty sphere may be readily removed and a filled sphere attached.

Figures 4 and show in detail the discharge valve and actuating mechanism for releasing the pressurized chemicals within the sphere 11 to the manifold 23 and various nozzles. Referring specifically to Figure 4, the bottom of the spherical bulb 11 is provided with a circular opening 38 over which is secured a manifold housing 39 for the manifold 23. A valve block 40 fits within the housing 39 and is held therein by means of a retaining ring 41. Suitable seals between the valve block and the housing 39 are effected by sealing rings as shown. At the upper portion of the valve block 40, there is disposed a valve head 42 having a downwardly extending stem 43. The lower end of stem 43 rests on the upper end of a valve stem support 44, supported by a spherical bearing 45 and constituting a rigid extension of an actuating triggering probe 46. The spherical bearing 45 fits within a corresponding spherical socket in the lower end of the valve block 40, as shown. Wobbling movement of the probe 46 is temporarily prevented by means of an annular collar 47 pinned to the probe 46 by a pin 48. Pin 48 in turn is provided with a withdrawing means in the form of a J bar 49 passing through an opening in the manifold housing 39.

In operation, just prior to take off of the helicopter, the J bar 49 is pulled to remove the pin 48 whereby the annular collar 47 drops oil from the probe 46. The probe is then positioned to swivel about its spherical bearing 45. However, the pressure of the chemicals 24 within the sphere 11 will tend to hold the probe 46 substantially vertical through forces transmitted by the valve stem 43. The helicopter is then flown over the fire area and the spherical bulb 11 lowered until the projecting probe 46 scrapes against the ground. This scraping action tends to cant the probe as indicated in Figure 5, thereby permitting the valve head 42 to drop out of position. The chemicals 24 will then pass through the opening 38 into the manifold chamber 23 and through the various conduits or hoses, such as 22, to the respective nozzles. With the valve stem support 44 on the end of the triggering probe 46 no longer in engagement with the valve stem 43,

there is no way in which the valve head 42 can be accidentally replaced, and thus continued passage of the chemicals out of the sphere is assured. When the contents of the sphere have been expelled and the sphere returned to its operating base, the valve may be reset or, in the event the valves are expendable, a new, preset, valve structure substituted in the manifold housing 39 by simply removing the retaining ring 41.

Figures 6 and 7 show a different type of discharge valve apparatus which may be used in place of the discharge valve shown in Figures 4 and 5. In the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the heat of the fire is relied upon to open the discharge valve rather than an actuating probe.

As shown in Figure 6, the opening 38 in the lower portion of the spherical bulb 11 is covered by a circular manifold housing 50 threadedly supporting a valve casing 52 comprising a valve head 53 and valve stem 54. At the lower end of the valve casing 52, there is threadedly secured a cylindrical member 55 having an annular flange 56 adjacent its upper end. The lower portion of the cylindrical member 55 is reduced in diameter as at 57 and is arranged to receive an annular flanged support 58 in sliding engagement. Between the flanged portion 56 of the cylindrical member 55 and the support 58, there is provided an annular bellows 59 adapted to expand when subjected to heat. The lower support 58 is biased upwardly against the bottom portion of the annular bellow 59 by a compression spring 60 supported at its lower end by a collar 61 threaded to the lower reduced diameter portion 57 of the cylindrical member 55. This collar is pinned to the valve stem support rod 62, as shown at 67.

An annular interior recessed portion in the cylindrical member 55 accommodates an actuating rod 62, the upper end of which supports the valve stem 54. A compression spring 63 within this recess is adapted to bias thev actuating rod 62 downwardly; Downward motion of the actuating rod 62 is prevented, however, by a ball 64 disposed in an annular recess 65 in the rod 62. An annular cavity 66 in the collar 58 is normally positioned above the ball 64, as shown.

In operation, the pin 67 is removed to permit free sliding motion of the actuating rod 62 within the cylindrical member 55 and thereby place the apparatus in condition for operation. The spherical pressure bulb 11 is then flown over the fire area. Heat from the fire will expand the bellows 59 urging the collar 58 downwardly until the annular internal cavity 66 in the collar is juxtaposed the ball 64 in the recess 65 of the actuating rod 62. This position of the parts is clearly shown in Figure 7. The ball 64 will fall into the annular cavity 66 and the rod 62 will then be free to move downwardly under action of the spring 63 and the normal pressure exerted thereon by the chemicals 24 through the valve stem 54 and valve head 53. Downward movement of the actuating rod 62 permits the valve head 53 to move downwardly and provide a communicating space between the opening 33 and the annular manifold 51, as shown in Figure 7. The pressure of the chemicals 24 will be sufiicient to hold the valve open.

The discharge operated valve shown in Figures 6 and 7 is advantageous for brush fires on sloped mountains wherein it may not be convenient to actuate a probe such as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

It will be appreciated at once from the above description that both of the embodiments of the discharge release valve are positive in operation and substantially foolproof from a safety standpoint. In neither instance is there any possibility for accidental discharge of the chemicals with in the sphere as long as the locking pin 48, in the case of valve shown in Figures 4 and 5, and 67 in the case of the valve shown in Figures 6 and 7 are in position. Once these pin are removed, however, the pressure bulbs are thus in condition for instant triggering.

Because of the distribution and direction of the nozzles on the spherical bulb, the spraying chemicals not only effect rotation of the sphere to insure a substantially uniform distribution of such spray, but will cover a relatively large area for a sustained period. Further, the pressure bulbs may be used many times and there is thus avoided the loss of fire fighting equipment as has characterized prior art aerial devices.

Modifications within the scope and spirit of the method and apparatus described will occur to those skilled in the art. The present invention is therefore not to be thought 6 of as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed for illustrative purposes.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for aerial fire fighting comprising: a container; means for introducing fire fighting chemicals into said container under pressure; means for suspending and moving said container over difiieren't portions of a fire area; and triggering means carried by said container for releasing said chemicals whereby a sustained discharge of the chemicals over the fire area is effected, said triggering means including a probe element projecting from the bottom of said container in a given direction and valve mean communicating withthe interior of said container and operatively connected to said probe element whereby said valve means will be opened responsive to tilting of said probe member from said given direction.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 which includes swivel joint means cooperating with said means for suspending the container whereby said container may rotate, and nozzle means on said container spaced from the axis of rotation of said container for discharging said chemical, said nozzle means being oriented to eject said chemical in a direction having a tangential component to the surface of said container whereby a reaction force is established for rotating said container.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said probe element is mounted in the lower portion of said container for tilting movement and said valve means includes a valve stem, the upper end of said probe engaging an end portion of said valve stem to hold said valve means closed when said probe is in a first position, the other end of said probe projecting away from said container whereby tilting movement of said probe disengages said one end from said valve stem so as to efiiect opening of said valve means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,604,290 King Oct. 26, 1926 1,609,762 Morgan Dec, 7, 1926 1,796,416 Van Sciver Mar. 17, 1931 2,426,771 Harp Sept. 2, 1947 

